Trent Reinsmith
- What: Game 6 NHL Western Conference Round 1 Playoffs
- Who: Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
- Date: Saturday, April 29, 2023
- Location: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.
- Time: TBD
- How to Watch: TBD
Last year, the Los Angeles Kings took the Edmonton Oilers to seven games in their NHL Western Conference first round playoff series. This year, the Kings and Oilers are again opponents in the first round. However, don’t expect the 2023 NHL playoff series between the teams to go seven games as the Oilers hold a 3-2 game lead over the Kings heading into Saturday’s Game 6, which takes place at Crypto.com Arena on Los Angeles.
Los Angeles held a 2-1 series lead over the Oilers heading into Game 4, and it looked as if the Kings would increase that lead after finishing the first period of that game with three unanswered goals. However, the Oilers had things event by the end of the second stanza and would win 5-4 in OT. Edmonton then jumped ahead of the Kings 2-0 in Game 5. The Oilers never gave up that lead and went on to win 6-3 to give them the 3-2 series lead and put the Kings on the brink of elimination on home ice.
Before we look at the betting breakdown for Saturday’s NHL playoff matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings, check out our guide to betting on the 2023 Stanley Cup and our tips for betting on the NHL.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings betting picks for Game 6
| To Win Game 6 NHL Western Conference Playoff Series |  |  |  |  |  |
| Edmonton OIlers | -163 | -170 | -170 | -170 | -163 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +147 | +145 | +150 | +150 | +134 |
Edmonton Oilers betting breakdown
Special teams have been the difference for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2023 NHL playoffs. The team has the top power play in the league. Edmonton has connected on eight of its 14 extra-man chances against the Kings for a whopping 57 percent success rate. As for the team’s penalty kill, while it has not been great, the team has kept its time in the penalty box to a minimum. Edmonton had two minor penalties in Game 4 and one in Game 5. Los Angeles did not have a power play goal in those games.
Leon Draisaitl leads the Oilers and the NHL in goals in the postseason with six. He is also tops on the club in scoring with 10 points. Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evan Bouchard have each scored two power play goals for the team. McDavid and Bouchard are tied for second in team scoring with 8 points apiece. Evander Kane is second on the club in goals with three during the series against the Kings.
Stuart Skinner had a rough go in Game 4, giving up three goals in the first period and being benched for the remainder of that game. However, the Oilers went back to Skinner for Game 5, and he earned the win. Skinner is likely to get the start in Game 6, but if he struggles early, expect the Oilers to throw Jack Campbell in, as Campbell posted a 1.19 goals against average and a .964 save percentage in his relief appearance.
Los Angeles Kings betting breakdown
The Los Angeles Kings had the best home record among Western Conference teams during the 2023 NHL regular season. The club finished the season with a 26-11-4 mark. However, the Kings did finish the year with four of their seven losses in March and April on home ice.
Kings’ captain Anze Kopitar spoke about what the team needs to do to get the Game 6 win over the Oilers, “I just think we’ve got to play more assertive, right from the start of the game. It’s the start that we didn’t want tonight and didn’t need tonight. More desperate and a lot more assertive.” It wouldn’t hurt if the Kings also stayed out of the penalty box, as the team’s penalty kill ranks last among 2023 playoff teams at 42.9 percent.
Kopitar leads the Kings in scoring with seven points. The club’s leading goal scorer is Adrian Kempe, who has four goals in the 2023 postseason. Alex Iafallo has three goals, and Kopitar and Gabriel Vilardi each have put the puck in the net twice during the playoffs.
Joonas Korisalo needs a bounce-back performance in Game 6. He was pulled in Game 5 after giving up four goals on 19 shots. However, his replacement, Pheonix Copley, did not inspire much confidence in giving up two goals on eight shots. Korisalo is likely to get the Game 6 start. He has a 3.50 goals against average and a .904 save percentage for the playoffs.
Best bet for Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Edmonton Oilers have figured out what ailed them in the first three games of their 2023 NHL playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings. But, more important than that, the Oilers have corrected those problems. With the momentum and confidence the Oilers have, the best bet is to pick them to beat the Kings and finish their first round playoff series in six games.
Pick: Edmonton Oilers to beat Los Angeles Kings in Game 6 of NHL Western Conference playoffs.
See below a list of reliable sportsbooks and choose the best one for you.
